Northern goshawk space use and resource selection

Abstract

ABSTRACTNorthern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) space use is influenced by a number of variables. We used satellite platform transmitter terminals (PTTs) and the Argos system on male (n = 7) and female (n = 12) goshawks to estimate space use in northern Idaho, USA, during 2004–2006. Goshawk home ranges were larger in our study than those in the southwestern United States and comparable to those in more northern latitudes. Male breeding‐season home ranges (5,146 ± 826 ha) were 33% larger than female home ranges (3,859 ± 815 ha). Female home ranges increased >2‐fold during the nonbreeding season. Breeding‐season home range sizes were a function of nesting success and the proportions of cover types within the home range. Male goshawks selected home ranges with smaller proportions and patches of moderately closed forests, and greater edge associated with openings. Female goshawks selected home ranges with smaller proportions and patches of openings, and greater edge densities associated with moderately closed and closed‐canopy forests. Neither male nor female goshawks selected home ranges with greater proportions of closed‐canopy forest than what was available within the study area. Habitat selection estimates differed between actual home range boundaries and nest buffers used as surrogate home ranges. We recommend researchers use actual home ranges when estimating second‐order habitat selection for goshawks. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.